news + Updates
Introducing Survey 01: NEW TRADITION
What is tradition? The concept has been increasingly in the spotlight in arts and culture. But what makes a tradition a tradition? Why does it matter to us? With a new theme, [Survey 01: NEW TRADITION], KARIMOKU RESEARCH explores its relationship with innovation in an attempt to unravel its true self and potential for a new value, vision - and even a room to break with tradition for what could be seen as a new tradition by future generations - while honoring the legacy.
Led by Los Angeles-based design studio WAKA WAKA and New York-based Lichen.
Website
KARI KARI MOKU MOKU WAKA WAKA: Opening Event
Exhibition “KARI KARI MOKU MOKU WAKA WAKA” The first day of the public opening will include a talk event. Shinichiro Okuda of WAKA WAKA and Hiroshi Kato of Karimoku Furniture will discuss the exhibition covering topics such as the collaborative process, material selection, and production techniques.
Please check the details below and register as early as possible.
Apply here
THE ARCHIVE: THE AGE OF WOOD
This fall Copenhagen based duo Christian+Jade will exhibit "The Age of Wood" inside KARIMOKU RESEARCH CENTER's archive space. This survey examines how wood has been a cornerstone of human craftsmanship for centuries, embodying a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Open to the public Oct. 26th, 2024.
Website
KARIMOKU RESEARCH CENTER OPENING
The KARIMOKU RESEARCH CENTER opened its doors to the public on Saturday, 26 October 2024, in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo. Housed in a renovated three-story building, each floor serves a distinct function. As a whole, the space is intentionally designed to foster collaboration, learning, and physical interaction, whether it’s getting hands-on with pre-production prototypes or browsing the extensive materials library.
Discover
MATERIALS LAB: CAP CHAIR
CAP chair, a wooden chair with a swivel mechanism, is the result of a collaboration between TORAFU ARCHITECTS and Karimoku. Not only does it bring a homey comfort to the office, but its compact movement is perfectly suitable for a home workspace. With colorful back panels and seat fabrics, CAP is a work chair that offers a variety of fun color combinations.
Make A Reservation
FOLLOW @KARIMOKU_RESEARCH
Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates on KARIMOKU RESEARCH and all the activities happening at the KARIMOKU RESEARCH CENTER. Stay informed about our newest innovations, upcoming events, and the exciting projects we’re working on, as we continue to explore and push the boundaries of design and living.
Visit Our Instagram
Survey 01
New Tradition
New Tradition
SURVEY 01: New Tradition
What is tradition? The concept has been increasingly in the spotlight in arts and culture. But what makes a tradition a tradition? Why does it matter to us? With a new theme, [Survey 01: NEW TRADITION], KARIMOKU RESEARCH explores its relationship with innovation in an attempt to unravel its true self and potential for a new value, vision - and even room to break with tradition for what could be seen as a new tradition by future generations - while honoring the legacy.
Main exhibit
Karikari mokumoku wakawaka
This collaboration with Karimoku Furniture is an expansive production opportunity with the huge selection of wood species, printing capabilities, painting techniques, textile application, and all within this honored practice of tradition. Tradition feels important when you can still use it in your day-to-day life. When you see the thread of it. Tradition is a practice, a belief, a method. It can often serve as a kind of comfort or discomfort with the need of a twist to keep a tradition engaged and going. So that is the point of departure, how to invent from some of the basic home furniture silhouettes and needs and also some that are less used that can receive a new life and purpose. The traditions of Japanese household furniture hold a unique meaning and function, and we work from that platform to try to reflect an imaginative world.
Vernacular furniture re-imagined. We are making a new mood, an ‘atmospherizm’, where layers of living feel like a new experience, going beyond where we are. Atmospherizm is energy. It is what you can be and how you can live differently within a space. It is a suggestion, a tone. It is time, it is reflection, it is a window, a seat, a table, a basket, a boundary, a room. We invite you to be a part of this vision.
The tea room by WAKA WAKA was showcased at the LA Design Festival in 2023. The design takes inspiration from the Tai-an, a tea room located in Kyoto that is classed as a national treasure and is said to have been designed by the legendary tea master, Sen no Rikyū. The Japanese tearoom is an intimate space where a tea master can deeply connect with their guest through ceremony. The WAKA WAKA tearoom and Tai-an tearoom are very similar in size and scale. This new iteration, manufactured with precision and care by Karimoku Furniture, will be unveiled in THE ARCHIVE on the first floor of the KARIMOKU RESEARCH CENTER.
The tea room by WAKA WAKA was showcased at the LA Design Festival in 2023. The design takes inspiration from the Tai-an, a tea room located in Kyoto that is classed as a national treasure and is said to have been designed by the legendary tea master, Sen no Rikyū. The Japanese tearoom is an intimate space where a tea master can deeply connect with their guest through ceremony. The WAKA WAKA tearoom and Tai-an tearoom are very similar in size and scale. This new iteration, manufactured with precision and care by Karimoku Furniture, will be unveiled in THE ARCHIVE on the first floor of the KARIMOKU RESEARCH CENTER.
MAIN EXHIBITION:
KARI KARI MOKU MOKU WAKA WAKA
DESIGNER:
WAKA WAKA
VENUE:
THE ARCHIVE
EXHIBITION DATES:
2025. 01. 11 - 2025. 03. 28
Closed Sat/Sun
*Open on January 11th (Sat) and 12th (Sun) only
KARI KARI MOKU MOKU WAKA WAKA
DESIGNER:
WAKA WAKA
VENUE:
THE ARCHIVE
EXHIBITION DATES:
2025. 01. 11 - 2025. 03. 28
Closed Sat/Sun
*Open on January 11th (Sat) and 12th (Sun) only
Main exhibit
KARI KARI
MOKU MOKU
WAKA WAKA
MOKU MOKU
WAKA WAKA
Survey Archive
Visit
Karimoku
Research
Center
Research
Center
1F
THE ARCHIVE
An exhibition space filled with natural light thanks to the floor to ceiling windows. Built to house and showcase our surveys; THE ARCHIVE is constantly evolving with new faces, new ideas, and new exhibitions.
2F
THE MATERIALS LAB
This floor features a rich catalog of wood, materials, manufacturing techniques and designs. A collaborative space made to dream up new combinations of materials and ideas in a hands-on setting.
B1F
THE STUDY
A multi-functional hall and lounge space that’s perfect for seminars and events. Filled with Karimoku furniture, THE STUDY accommodates approximately 60 people and features a massive 200-inch screen, a fully-equipped kitchen, and 5m ceilings.
OPENING TIMES:
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday to Friday and National Holidays
Closed Sat/Sun
ADDRESS:
2-chōme-24-2 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-0031
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday to Friday and National Holidays
Closed Sat/Sun
ADDRESS:
2-chōme-24-2 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-0031
THE MATERIALS LAB requires prior reservation. Plan your visit using the link.
Make a reservation
OPENING TIMES:
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday to Friday and National Holidays
Closed Sat/Sun
ADDRESS:
2-chōme-24-2 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-0031
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday to Friday and National Holidays
Closed Sat/Sun
ADDRESS:
2-chōme-24-2 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-0031
THE MATERIALS LAB requires prior reservation. Plan your visit using the link.
Make a reservation
KARIMOKU RESEARCH CENTER GALLERY
